Coderre To Run For Liberal Leader Or Montreal Mayor

Montreal MP Denis Coderre says he will run for either the federal Liberal leadership or the Montreal mayoralty, and he'll announce his decision in November.

Exhibiting none of the evasiveness of many a politician on questions in this area, Coderre declared he wants to become leader of a political party, whether in Parliament or at City Hall.

"I've said it before: I'm a careerist. I don't know why some people think it's a bad thing, but I want to serve. I want to be leader. You can't pass on a chance when you've been an MP for 15 years, about half of it as a minister. On the other hand, I'm a proud Montrealer," Coderre said on Sunday.

"I'm turning 50 soon and it will be time to decide, after 30 years in politics."

The MP for the Montreal Island riding of Bourassa turns 50 next summer. The Liberal leadership will be decided before then, at a convention in the spring. Montreal's next civic elections are next year as well.

"On Nov. 9, I'll be celebrating 15 years since becoming the MP for Montreal North, and I'll make my decision then," he said in an interview during Montreal's pride parade, in which he took part. "I'm at a crossroads, and I guarantee you I'll make a decision."